The huge peaks east of Aigle and the Rhône Valley are collectively dubbed the Alpes Vaudoises, sheltering a few attractive, quite isolated little ski villages – all specifically family-oriented – that offer some of the best facilities outside the huge Valaisian resorts further south. Friendly Villars leads the bunch, connected by a system of lifts both with its neighbour, Gryon, and with the separate resort of Les Diablerets. Tiny Leysin, tucked away in a valley above Aigle, completes the picture. In summer, all these villages slumber quietly in the sunshine, hosting walkers and those seeking the kind of undisturbed Alpine retreat money can’t buy. Transport between all three is sporadic; they serve better as places to base yourself for a few days or a couple of weeks rather than as stepping stones around the region. Lift passes for Villars-Gryon and Les Diablerets (excluding the glacier) cost Fr.42 for one day or Fr.117 for three days; a five-day pass for the Alpes Vaudoises, which includes the Diablerets glacier and Leysin, and is also valid for Gstaad, costs Fr.201.